Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
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This air fryer Brussels sprouts recipe is the easiest and most flavorful way to prepare this classic and healthy side dish! Plus, it all comes together in 15 minutes.
Lately, I’ve been on a mission to use more of my trusted air fryer. And, I’ve had so much fun doing it!
I’ve made everything from crispy French fries and potato wedges to granola, roasted chickpeas, and even tandoori chicken tikka.
Now, I can add air fryer Brussels sprouts to that list!
This is my new favorite way to prepare these healthy and delicious green veggies. All you need is some light oil, dry seasonings, parmesan cheese, and some parchment paper for easy cleanup.
They’re ready in 15 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- It’s all made in the air fryer, and the basket is lined with parchment paper, which means minimal cleanup!
- You only need a tablespoon of oil to impart delicious flavor and ensure the Brussels sprouts don’t burn.
- These air fryer Brussels sprouts get super crispy every time!
- They’re an easy side dish made with simple ingredients that pair well with any main course.
Ingredient notes
- Brussels sprouts (a whole pound or a standard bag of Brussels sprouts at most grocery stores; roughly 16 sprouts, depending on their size)
- Avocado oil (Ghee or olive oil would also work)
- Salt
- Black pepper (freshly cracked, if possible)
- Garlic powder (optional but highly recommended; you could also use minced garlic)
- Grated parmesan cheese (also optional; can omit to make vegan)
🍽 Required Equipment
You’ll need an air fryer to make this recipe. Here are the two that I recommend –
- Basket style (Phillips 7 QT, 1725W) – easier to flip food but cooks a smaller amount (2-3 servings).
- Convection oven-style (Instant Pot 20 QT, 1800W) – This one takes more space but can bake, broil, toast, warm, dehydrate and even has a rotisserie feature. Holds more food – perfect for families of 4 or more.
💭 Air Frying Tips
For best results, follow the guidelines below
- No overcrowding – Always arrange food in a single layer and cook in batches if needed.
- Spray oil on your food unless the protein already has oil in the marinade.
- Use parchment paper or grease your tray/basket to ensure food won’t stick.
- Toss or flip the food halfway during cooking to make sure the food is cooked evenly.
Storage Instructions
Any leftover air-fried Brussels sprouts can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To serve, reheat in the air fryer or microwave.
Serving Suggestions
We love to pair these air fryer Brussels sprouts with quinoa salad but you could pair them with any main course or side dish of your choice.
Variations
- Add nuts to the mix! We love our sprouts with toasted walnuts because they add a nice crunchiness to the dish. Sunflower seeds or sliced almonds would also be delicious.
- Or add some dried fruit like golden raisins or dried cranberries!
- You can also add melted butter or ghee instead of oil to make it even more flavorful in place of the avocado oil.
- Add more of your favorite seasonings! Onion powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, or fresh herbs would be great in this air fryer Brussels sprouts recipe.
- If you eat bacon, you could add some chopped bacon or pancetta to the Brussels sprouts before cooking them in the air fryer.
- Garnish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice!
More Side Dish Recipes
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
- Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Asian-style Green beans
- Instant Pot steamed Brussels sprouts in a honey-garlic glaze
Frequently asked questions
The best way to clean Brussels sprouts is to wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt and then peel off any yellow or discolored leaves.
Only if you are using it in salads. You don’t need to if you are cooking the veggies.
Yes! But you must dry them as thoroughly as possible before cooking so that they get crispy in the air fryer. The same rule applies to roasting them in the oven or stir-frying them in a skillet.
Most likely, they weren’t dried thoroughly enough after being washed.
Simply set your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the Brussels sprouts for 2-3 minutes or so. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn. Prepare the air fryer basket as directed previously with parchment paper and a little bit of oil for easy cleanup.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder optional
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
- Clean the Brussels sprouts under running water to remove any dirt. Chop them into half lengthwise and trim the bottom stem. Remove and discard any yellow or discolored leaves. Note: You can use really small sprouts as is without chopping them.
- Dry the Brussels sprouts using a clean dish towel or paper towel.
- Transfer the Brussels sprouts to a medium-sized bowl.
- Add oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder over the Brussels sprouts. Toss to combine.
- Preheat the air fryer and set it to 350°F.
- [Optional step] Line the air frying tray with parchment paper.
- Transfer the Brussels sprouts over the parchment paper – don't overcrowd them. Depending on the size of your airfryer, you may have to make them in batches.
- Place the air fryer tray in the air fryer and cook at 350°F. Set the timer for 15 minutes.[Note: It could take about 20 minutes, depending on your model]
- Stir around the 8-minute mark and continue to cook till Brussels sprouts have nicely browned and turned crisp. [Note: If using an oven-style air fryer, rotate the tray for even cooking.
- Transfer the Brussels sprouts to serving plates. Serve warm sprinkled with parmesan cheese.
Disclaimer: Approximate nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and can vary depending on the exact ingredients/brands used. If you have health issues, please work with a registered dietician or nutritionist.
